Now Commenting On:

Soriano feels fine despite being hit hard vs. Astros

MLB.com national reporter Jesse Sanchez talks about the 2014 outlook for Rafael Soriano as the Nationals' closer after his 43 saves in 2013

By Bill Ladson
/
MLB.com |

VIERA, Fla. -- In his second game of the spring, Nationals closer Rafael Soriano was hit hard, allowing five runs in two-thirds of an inning against the Astros on Monday night.

After striking out George Springer to start the sixth inning, Soriano couldn't retire the next five hitters. Jonathan Villar highlighted the scoring with a three-run double.

Manager Matt Williams said he wasn't worried about the results from Soriano at this point. The skipper is more worried about how Soriano feels physically. Apparently, Soriano said he felt fine, and that was the only thing that was good about the outing.

"He is going to get a few outings this spring and I want him to progress arm strength wise every time," Williams said.